Worst intersection in Washington? I'll start - Dupont Circle
OK honest question - I grew up here, left for college, and came back 9 years ago. A friend just bought in U Street for K and I'm not sure if that was smart. Honestly the biggest downside is the dating scene. Anyone else feel the same?
67 upvotes
26 Replies
Caleb Brooks
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Brookland, U Street, and currently in Columbia Heights. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Brookland: /mo for a 2-bed
- U Street: about /mo
- Columbia Heights: /mo but great
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Washington really clicks.
47 upvotes
Quinn Evans
Word.
45 upvotes
Kevin R.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Columbia Heights from Columbus about 2 years ago. Initially everything felt unfamiliar. But after settling in, The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Columbia Heights and Georgetown for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Overall I'd give Washington a 7/10 for remote workers.
43 upvotes
Robert B.
Bump.
42 upvotes
Autumn Chavez
Weekend warrior here - Washington is great for bar hopping. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.
35 upvotes
Mia Jimenez
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If walkability matters most, then yeah Washington is great. But if you need public transit, might want to look at Woodley Park instead.
31 upvotes
Elena Hill
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. The city has transformed a lot.
28 upvotes
Bennett
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to U Street from Cleveland about 2 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out U Street and Brookland for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Talk to your neighbors - people are friendlier than you'd expect
The biggest adjustment was job market. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give Washington a 8/10 for young professionals.
28 upvotes
Maverick S.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 4 years:
The good:
- Nice downtown area
- Low commute times
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Not very walkable
- Homelessness visible downtown
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. I'd say for families, Washington is great. Feel free to ask specifics.
27 upvotes
Adrian A.
Worked in nonprofit here for 4 years. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. The market is decent right now if you're in that field.
26 upvotes
Thomas Ruiz
I walk my dog through Foggy Bottom every day and I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The vibe has really evolved in the past couple years.
26 upvotes
chicago_aria
I walk my dog through Navy Yard every day and The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. The vibe has really evolved in the past couple years.
26 upvotes
Aurora L.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a couple in our 30s in Woodley Park. Been here since 2016. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
Neighborhood-wise, Woodley Park has really evolved in the past few years. Adams Morgan is the up-and-coming spot right now. Navy Yard is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for real estate: improving. For real estate: growing.
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
Happy to answer questions.
24 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Georgetown vs Shaw: completely different vibes. Georgetown is more decent with walkable streets and local shops. Shaw is growing and better for students.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Georgetown. In Shaw you can find stuff for /mo.
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
23 upvotes
Nicholas Martinez
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single woman in U Street. Been here since 2023. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
Neighborhood-wise, U Street has really grown in the past few years. Cleveland Park is the up-and-coming spot right now. Navy Yard is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for legal: great. For retail: pricey.
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
Happy to answer questions.
20 upvotes
Madeline Torres
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to U Street from San Diego about 1 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out U Street and Navy Yard for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give Washington a 8/10 for families.
19 upvotes
Mia M.
Moved here recently, same feeling.
18 upvotes
Natalie Roberts
Moved here from Omaha and I'd say The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The dating scene here is underrated compared to what I'm used to.
13 upvotes
Leah
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Petworth from Phoenix about 4 years ago. Initially everything felt unfamiliar. But after settling in, I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Petworth and Adams Morgan for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was walkability. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. Overall I'd give Washington a 6/10 for retirees.
12 upvotes
river_amelia17
Good to know.
8 upvotes
Alice
I walk my dog through H Street Corridor every day and I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The vibe has really changed in the past couple years.
6 upvotes
Joseph Howard
As someone who lives in U Street, Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. That said, the weather is love-it-or-hate-it.
6 upvotes
Angel Anderson
Yep.
6 upvotes
Adrian Myers
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Washington.
Background: 27, college grad, moved from Portland 6 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Woodley Park.
**Housing:**
The market is decent right now. We went with Woodley Park because it felt safe. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Petworth - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
education jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Portland but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 4 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Washington people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
4 upvotes
Jerry M.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
U Street vs Capitol Hill: completely different vibes. U Street is more pretty good with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. Capitol Hill is up-and-coming and better for retirees.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in U Street. In Capitol Hill you can find stuff for /mo.
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.
1 upvotes
Aubrey Torres
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Logan Circle, Petworth, and currently in Adams Morgan. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Logan Circle: /mo for a 3-bed
- Petworth: about /mo
- Adams Morgan: /mo but great
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Washington really clicks.
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